Journey Composer Working on Assassin's Creed Syndicate

By Boston Blake 24 November 2015

There are many elements that can make a good game into a great game, and a strong, emotional soundtrack is one of them. Music has the power to add intrigue and mystery, or horror and suspense. It can transform a simple moment in a game into an emotional rollercoaster that won’t be easily forgotten by players.

So it’s no wonder that video game studios are continually on the hunt for high-quality composers who truly understand how to enrich a game with the right sounds and music. This is why Ubisoft, a development firm known for numerous powerhouse games and franchises, has sought out Grammy-nominated composer, Austin Wintory, to create the musical score for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

Wintory is probably best known for creating the elegant soundtrack for Journey, a game that was highly praised for its emotional draw through both its visuals and music. Considering that background, and Wintory’s love for chamber music, it seems the folks at Ubisoft felt he would be the best fit for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. In an email announcement, the development team shared their feelings about Wintory’s composition:

“Known for his unique and often unusual musical approach, Wintory sought not just to capture the drama and excitement of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, but to evoke the prowess and sarcasm of the game’s main characters, Jacob and Evie Frye. Calling upon the imagery of The Assassins’ deadly combat as a dance between the huntress and her prey, the waltzing music reflects this playful yet violent energy.”

Like movies, video games often have an array of experiences for players, which means a composer needs to understand precisely how to harness the right sounds that will enhance a video game, rather than diminish it. In the statement from Ubisoft, Wintory shared his own experience in creating the soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate:

“I’ve had a long-held passion for the chamber music of the 19th Century; the intensity one can get from this sort of music is quite distinct from the massive force of an orchestra. You’re right in the face of a handful of brilliant players, each exploding with energy. Yet, because of its intimacy it can also sneak up on you in ways a lumbering orchestra can’t. It’s a dramatically tactile experience which seemed practically tailor-made for a tale of Victoria Era sibling Assassins”

It’ll be interesting to see how Wintory’s three-hour score fits into the overall mood and setting of the game. Fans of the Assassin’s Creed series will no doubt come to appreciate the music as they fight to liberate London in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

What do you think about Ubisoft selecting Wintory for the Assassin’s Creed Syndicate composer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is set to release October 23, 2015 for PS4 and Xbox One, and November 19, 2015 for PC.